Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Before I proceed to my second supplementary, the Minister in her response might clarify whether that protocol takes effect immediately or at some date in the future.

My second supplementary relates to another timeline that I would be looking for.

For some time, there has been a debate on Ireland's inability to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, CRPD. The convention was signed in March 2007, almost ten years ago, but it still has not been ratified, although it has been ratified by 156 other countries since then. That puts us behind countries with far fewer resources and less capacity, such as Vietnam, Togo, Uganda and many others. The Government, including the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, has stated time and again that this is a priority. Can the Minister give a commitment that the Government will ratify that convention? It is vital for children with disabilities.

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